Liam McIntyre, an Australian actor will the lead role portrayed by Andy Whitfield from Starz tv series Spartacus. The Starz network decided to move on after Andy Whitfield depart the series to resume treatment for cancer.

Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht in a statement:

“Since no one can really replace Andy, we realized that we should instead find an actor who can truly lead Spartacus forward,”

“It was important to us to have Andy endorse the idea of recasting this part, which he did in the same heroic manner that he’s dealt with his whole ordeal. And that, coupled with our fortune in finding a young actor with the gladiator credentials and the acting ability of Liam, makes it easier for us to keep this hit franchise going.”

Spartacus: Blood and Sand is a Starz television series that premiered on January 22, 2010. The series focuses on the historical figure of Spartacus (played by Andy Whitfield), a Thracian gladiator who from 73 to 71 BC led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic. [Source: Wikipedia] Read more here